The relationship between the Australian Open and Sydney’s The Lakes Golf Club could hardly have gotten off to a better start. In 1964 The Lakes hosted the national championship for the first time but it was also a first for another significant golf figure – Jack Nicklaus.
In 1980, it was Greg Norman claiming his first Australian Open in a tight Sunday tussle with fellow Australian Brian Jones.
Smarting after three-putting the 72nd hole a year earlier Norman, already twice a winner in Europe in 1980 and being talked about as a potential best player in the world, wasn’t to be denied.
Starting the day two behind Jones but playing in the group ahead, The Shark produced some trademark aggressive golf on his way to making the turn in 4-under 32 and drew clear when Jones missed a short putt at the 16th.
In 1992 Steve Elkington was one of the hottest players on the PGA Tour having won the previous year’s Players Championship and amassed nine top 10 finishes for the season.
He was among the favourites at the start of the week and with rounds of 69-68-69 had himself in a great position to win on home soil for the first time.
Difficult conditions greeted the field Sunday but despite posting a 2-over 74 (which included a legendary second shot across the water at the par-5 11th to reach the green in two), he won by two from Peter McWhinney and American Duffy Waldorf.
Born in Inverell, New South Wales, Elkington grew up in Wagga Wagga, he moved to the United States to attend college in Texas at the University of Houston, where he played on the Cougar golf team that won national titles in 1982, 1984, and 1985. Elkington was the first prominent Australian to play college golf in the U.S., and turned professional in 1985.
Steve Elkington became the third in a row Australian Open Champion at The Lakes to also be a major winner. Who will win at The Lakes in 2018?
